M8 vs x100 dilemma

[Ntran1986]

Hi everyone,

So I have been going through a slight dilemma. I have been using a Fujifilm x100 as my digital everyday camera. It takes great images, but definitely has it's drawbacks. Basically it does a great job but I'm not in love. I recently bought an M2 about a month ago. There is something about the handling and rangefinder that made me fall in love at the first second. SO now I am seriously thinking about selling the x100 now to get as much of my money back before depreciation, to fund a purchase of a used M8. I realize I would have to raise another $800 and also find another lens. In all I would be putting in a lot more money. I just want to hear what everyone would do in my situation. Does anyone for see any issues or regret going from an autofocus x100 to a manual M8 for everyday use? I'd really like some advise as I am torn.

Thanks,
NT

 

[Sonnar Brian]

If you like the M2, the M8 makes sense. Lenses are compatible between the two.

You have a short window to get your money back from the X100, before supply catches up with demand.

 

[dave lackey]

Hi everyone,

So I have been going through a slight dilemma. I have been using a Fujifilm x100 as my digital everyday camera. It takes great images, but definitely has it's drawbacks. Basically it does a great job but I'm not in love. I recently bought an M2 about a month ago. There is something about the handling and rangefinder that made me fall in love at the first second. SO now I am seriously thinking about selling the x100 now to get as much of my money back before depreciation, to fund a purchase of a used M8. I realize I would have to raise another $800 and also find another lens. In all I would be putting in a lot more money. I just want to hear what everyone would do in my situation. Does anyone for see any issues or regret going from an autofocus x100 to a manual M8 for everyday use? I'd really like some advise as I am torn.

Thanks,
NT

First post! Welcom Ntran to our little window on the world.

You will find a great bunch of folks here who will answer your problem from their own perspectives. Superb resource.

IMO, run and get that M-body!😀

 

[cosmonaut]

Maybe be you should compare DXO marks first. But don't use something you are not happy with. That aint what it's about.

 

[gilpen123]

Some buyers ditch the X100 so soon. Spend some time with it and learn to manipulate and use the camera. Yes it is somewhat quirky but I think Fujifilm will soon release a 2nd firmware update to address most of the issues. Comparing the X100 with M8 may not be a good comparison, fixed vs interchangeable, autofocus vs manual, etc. etc. IMO if you want RF manual focus, then M8 is a good idea or better yet 8.2.

 

[Damaso]

You will be much happier with the M8 at the end of the day I think. The M8 certainly has more flexibility and room for you to grow into. Then again over time the drawbacks of the x100 may become less important to you...

 

[AncientCityPhoto]

The M8 probably does not have the dynamic range and ISO performance of the X100 from what I've seen so far. Then again, at 160 and 340 ISO, the M8 files are absolutely stunning. The actually feel of the M8 and its style of control will definitely feel refreshing if you like the rangefinder.

 

[clear2000]

I had the same problem. I really wanted to like the X100 but it didn't happen. It's a great camera and it has so many things to love about it, but it's not true rangefinder. Everyone has different preferences, I went with the M8. I think the X100 is great but I missed manual focus and simplicity.
Consider the Epson R-D1, it's cheaper then the M8 and the IQ is very unique. One thing to remember, the M8 and R-D1 are older cameras. The iso performance won't be as good. The X100 does a fantastic job in that department.

 

[mathomas]

The M8 doesn't have the great "feel" of Leica film cameras, IMO (I have an M8 and M2). But if you want something even approaching the M feel, the M8/9 is the only thing going. Lots of trade-offs here.

 

[filmtwit]

I just sold my M8.2 and picked up a X100.

M8.2: By today's standards, the chip is old and not very usable above 640iso. I found mine a hassle to be honest.

X100: So far it strikes me as a very advanced P&S.

Hope this helps?

 

[Perfect Imposter]

I have an X100 and an M8. If I were forced to part with one I would first have a good cry, because I love both cameras. Then I'd sell the X100.

 

[Frank Petronio]

I just resigned myself to the fact that there will probably never be a perfect digital camera that is affordable (the M9 and S2 are pretty darn nice).

You could, of course, figure out a good film workflow and use classic M equipment. That could be more satisfying and less expensive too.

Having the X100's high ISO performance would be nice, but it isn't like people made lousy low-light photos with film in the years prior.....

 

[Ntran1986]

Thank You!

Thank You!

Thanks everyone for the huge influx of responses. I really love this forum. I'm still torn. I feel like low light situations for both cameras have their pros and cons. for the x100 it has better ISO performance, but really struggles with it's autofocus is these situations. For the M8, the rangefinder will really make fast and accurate focusing, but is a poorer performer in terms of ISO. I feel that not being able to use any photos above 640 could really be a struggle, but there are plenty of people getting great results with the M8. At this point I feel like I'm leaning towards the M8 because I feel the window is closing for recovering my x100 cost. There is also the task of finding a used M8 because i dont see many of them for sale. If anyone has more thoughts to lend, please don't hesitate!

 

[Lss]

I feel that not being able to use any photos above 640 could really be a struggle

Where you put that limit is highly subjective. I have no problem shooting at 640 or even 1250. I try to avoid ISO 2500 on the M8, but use it when needed. The X100 will probably give you a nicer large high-ISO print in terms of noise level, but subjectively the M8 image probably would not lose that much if at all due to a different look of the noise. Print smaller and the difference is smaller. Use a faster lens, you get the idea.

As long as the price difference is not a show stopper, I would go with the better and more suitable camera for my own needs. The winner in this case is easily the M8. But that again is highly subjective. The X100 produces great results, too.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

If you're happy with just one focal length in a digital camera then the X100 might be the one.
I'd say that the M8 would be a bit more your speed though since it definitely outclasses the X100. In spite of the problems and the "old" sensor in the M8, it's still one of the finest professional tools available.

Phil Forrest

 

[huntjump]

My advice would be, if you have to struggle to get the funds saved just to purchase the m8 body, and you just bought an M2, you might be rushing into the digital M world because you are now "hooked" due to the amazingness of your M2. But slow down a sec, and ask, why do you need a digital M right now? Are you a hobbyist?

I am by no means an expert and hopefully my opinion does not come off as attempting to be. But you will learn so much with the M2 that if you bought the m8 now, you might not use your m2 as much or worse, not have enough money to invest in good glass.

I think what Brian said about the resell is spot on, you have a small window before you will not recover your full value for your x100 when the retailers restock. $1200 isn't cheap, if you are not in love with it maybe sell. If the firmware fixes the mistakes you do not like, you can always repurchase and not lose any money.

 

[Rogier]

I have the M8 and a M4-P.
Frankly I prefer to shoot with the M4. Its much lighter, a bit smaller and far more quiet than the M8.

If I were you I would keep the X100 as a better digital P&S and stick with the M 2 - 3 - 4

 

[Mcary]

Agree 100% with both Rogier and Huntjump.
Take few day's and ask yourself what does the M8 give that you don't get with your current set-up at the same time ask what you'll be giving up by selling the X-100.

The high ISO capability of the X-100 is the main reason I'm looking at it as a possible companion to my M6

 

[_larky]

Keep the X100, save for the M8. They are different cameras, used in different ways. Or, wait until the M10 comes out and get the M9 cheap.

As for the M2, simply load up and get out there. 🙂

 

[Spyro]

bear in mind that 99% of people on the internet call "p&s" anything that doesnt change lenses and is smaller than a Rolleiflex. In other words it's a term that means nothing.

I can name a few reasons I wouldn't ditch the x100 for the m8 - high iso - evf for the occasional accurate composition and ttl focusing - close focus - dof scales and a number of customisable displays in the vf - I like the pancake shape/fov/aperture of the fuji lens and I dont think there's an equivalent available for the m8.